It’s late in the evening when I give Mike Clark a ring. I’m expecting him to be holed up inside like I am, protected from the bitter cold that has descended upon New York City, where both of us call home. The 68-year-old jazz drummer lives just eight miles from me as the crow flies. On a night like this where the 15-degree chill has cleared the city’s otherwise teeming streets it feels like 800.

The past two years have been a whirlwind for Hannah Welton since Prince enlisted her into the rank of his latest project 3rdEyeGirl, but while she still hasn’t gotten the chance to catch her breath, she insists that she’s just getting started.

We first reached out to experts in the drum and recording industries to nominate finalists in each category. Once they were tabulated, we took the four
top vote winners and asked you, our readers, to choose those drummers and percussionists who would win the ultimate prize. This year, we also offered an optional write-in candidate during the final vote, to level the playing field.
So here are the winners of the 2014 Drummies! Artist Awards, chosen by you.